Outside Camp Nou ahead of Barcelona’s league fixture against Levante, Barca president Joan Laporta stopped to speak with reporters — and unsurprisingly, the conversation quickly shifted to Real Madrid.
Madrid’s controversial penalty concession in their previous matcha against Osasuna — a call many observers felt was incorrect and one that ultimately cost them crucial points — has sparked continuous debate.
When asked about the incident, Joan Laporta said:
“I see no problem, Madrid have no right to complain.”
The Barcelona president did not stop there. Referring to what he implied was a historical pattern of favorable refereeing decisions toward Los Blancos, Laporta said:
“Madrid has been awarded a thousand penalties like that.
“For once they don’t get a penalty handed to them on a plate for some dive, they shouldn’t complain.”
The comments are certain to inflame tensions between Spain’s two biggest clubs, particularly at a time when scrutiny over officiating standards in La Liga is already heightened. Madrid supporters have argued that the decision in question was both soft and decisive, directly impacting the result and the title race implications that follow.
Laporta’s tone, however, suggested little interest in refereeing nuance. Barcelona themselves have been claiming victim and filing complaints to La Liga.
